In this Sept. 23, 2009 photo, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi shows a torn copy of the UN Charter during his address to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

(Newser)
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The destruction of Syria's chemical weapons continues to hit delays—but a secret effort to rid Libya of chemical weapons has been a success, the New York Times reports. The US and Libya have been destroying what was left of Moammar Gadhafi's stockpile, including hundreds of weapons containing a mustard agent. The three-month project, which wiped out two tons of arms using what the Times calls a "giant, high-tech oven," ended last week. "It’s a big breakthrough," says an expert, noting that the process—a basis for the much larger effort in Syria—"was very difficult because of weather, geography, and because it's a dangerous area with warring tribes, increasing the risks of theft and diversion."

In 2004, Gadhafi had provided some 24.7 metric tons of chemical weapons to the West for destruction, but only half were gone by the time civil war began in 2011. The post-Gadhafi Libyan government sought to rid itself of the remainder, as well as almost two tons of additional material it had found—agents already installed in bombs and artillery, the Times notes. The destruction effort, which used funds from the Pentagon as well as Canada, saw the weapons vaporized in an oven created by Swedish firm Dynasafe. Meanwhile, the BBC is airing old Gadhafi secrets in a special tonight; among them, a former ally who says the strongman ordered a plane shot down near Tripoli in 1992, killing 157 passengers in a demonstration against sanctions.

BBC4 Storyville - Mad Dog Gaddafi's Secret Life. Perhaps you would like to read my book 'Libya's Unknown Atrocity' to have an insight to the life my family has lead since Gaddafi murdered my husband Victor Prazak, the only British citizen on board, when he shot down flight LN1103. You have not understand the plight of the Libyan people if you think any Libyan could say anything about this heinous crime while Gaddafi was still alive. For over two decades I have requested the former Libyan regime and the British govt for an inquest into my husbands murder. This is my right if a British citizen is killed abroad in suspicious circumstances. Yet I did not even have the right to go to my husbands funeral. Gaddafi had him and all 157 aboard the disaster buried in a mass grave the following day. Now (with John Murray) I am requesting the new Libyan govt to go to Senussi trial who with Gaddafi premeditated this crime against humanity, which was an act of war. We have both waited decades for justice. Yours sincerely, Felicity Prazak 60 Rowditch Lane Battersea SW11 5BX

$22570111

Feb 3, 2014 6:45 PM CST

Start of the civil war 2011? So 8 years after the US gained control over Iraq in the 2003 Attack on Iraq. So a US controlled country had two tons of chemical weapons for 8 years.

NorCalHal

Feb 3, 2014 11:36 AM CST

"In 2004, Gadhafi had provided some 24.7 metric tons of chemical weapons to the West for destruction" So this negotiated turn over of WMD's started in 2004. hmmmm I wonder who was president then ? I wonder WHERE he got the chemical weapons??